I'll have to revisit this in about a month when the market starts to come more into focus, but as of now, here's what I'm thinking.
Catcher: I'm sure we will offer McCann, but someone will likely offer more, and whether or not he takes it remains to be seen. As of now, I'm thinking he doesn't come back and goes somewhere like Texas or even New York to be a DH. If we don't re-sign him, Gattis needs to be the catcher. If we do re-sign him, Gattis needs to be traded with some sure enough talent coming back.
First base: Lock up Freddie.
Second base: Going to be impossible to unload Uggla for anything of value. I guess just make it a competition with him, Pastor and maybe Pena or an acquisition. If Texas is set on trying to trade Profar, see what you can get going.
Shortstop: Simmons hopefully will continue to grow as a hitter.
Third base: Keep CJ. I would expect some regression, but he'll still be solid. If guys like Uggla and BJ would do their job, we wouldn't have to rely on him so much. Clearly though, this is a position we need to develop throughout the system.
Outfield: Lock up Heyward. Hope that BJ bounces back because we're stuck with him. Stay the course with Justin, unless the Profar talks go that route. Or even the talks for a front line pitcher. I'd like to see an actual leadoff man added, though that could be difficult.
Bench: Needs to be versatile with some power.
Starting pitching: I would explore trading Medlen for the right price, but there needs to be some significant hitting value coming back. I wouldn't mind bringing Hudson back at all. There needs to be some veteran leadership in the rotation. Hope that Teheran and Minor continue to develop closer to being aces. They showed strong potential this year. We need a straight up ace, but they don't grow on trees and we don't need one taking up a fifth of our payroll anyway with the salary today's elite arms are getting. Maholm...good riddance. At least give Wood a chance to win a job. If we keep Medlen, then Julio/Minor/Medlen/Huddy/Wood is a good starting point. Beachy....I hope he comes back strong, but I don't think you can fully rely on him currently.
Bullpen: Listen on potential offers for Kimbrel. I just don't see us feasibly locking him up. The bullpen is really the most unstable thing. I'd take a shot on EOF and Venters coming back and hopefully Avilan and Carpenter can be solid, but I'm sure there will be regression somewhere. I'm sure there will be plenty of free agent options too.
Manager/coaching staff: Fredi is staying, barring an unexpected change in ownership that wants a clean house, so best hope is that he grows as a manager and learns from mistakes. Keep McDowell. He's been a big part of our success recently. I would probably go another direction when it comes to hitting coaches. This team needs a completely different hitting philosophy. I could care less about the others, although Idk what the hell Tosca was thinking with the defensive positioning at points in this past series, and Snitker has gotten some people thrown out at the plate before.
Front office: Wren has done pretty well with trades, so hopefully he continues to work magic. But I would advise him to exercise caution when it comes to the marketplace.
